‘For 19 months, I had not seen the sun before’ – Emotional words of Winneba Prison inmate

Stephen Kofi, a 30-year-old coconut trader from Agona Manko Nkwanta near Swedru, has shared his ordeal after spending 19 months in custody at the Winneba Local Prison.

Kofi was arrested after failing to deliver 2,000 pieces of coconut to a friend who had signed an agreement with him. Following his arrest and prosecution, the court fined him GH¢1,200. However, he was unable to pay the fine and was consequently handed a custodial sentence.

Explaining the circumstances that led to his imprisonment, Kofi said he had been supplying coconuts to buyers across the country, particularly in Accra. At the time, he admitted he had become involved in drug use and diverted part of the money entrusted to him for the coconut supply.

“I made a bad decision, instead of using the money for the business, I used some of it on drugs. I deeply regret that choice.”

He further alleged that after his arrest and detention at the police station, he was left alone with an officer he claimed was intoxicated. According to Kofi, he left the station and returned home, an action that later resulted in an additional charge of escaping lawful custody.

He noted that the police and the court subsequently described him as a risk, insisting he could not remain outside custody.

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During an interview with the Crime Check Foundation, which later paid his fine to secure his release, Kofi broke down in tears as he recounted his experience behind bars.

“For 19 months, I had not seen the sun before. Today, I see things clearly now,” he said emotionally.

“Prison has changed me. I have learned my lessons the hard way…I want to start my life again. I will focus on my business and stay away from drugs. I don’t want to disappoint my family or myself again,” he added.

Kofi expressed remorse for his actions and vowed never to repeat the mistakes that led to his incarceration.

AM

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